Final answer:
The most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers is adenocarcinoma. It occurs in the mucus-producing gland cells of the airways. Smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer but non-smokers can also develop lung cancer through other carcinogen exposures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of lung cancer most likely to develop in a non-smoker is C) Adenocarcinoma. While most lung cancers are linked with tobacco smoke, adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer in non-smokers. This type of cancer starts in the mucus-producing gland cells in the lining of the airways. Although tobacco smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases, non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to other factors such as secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, asbestos, and other carcinogens.
Lung cancer, particularly smoking-related, can also increase the risk of developing other forms of cancer such as kidney, larynx, mouth, lip, tongue, throat, bladder, esophagus, and pancreas cancer. Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke also suffer from the adverse effects of tobacco's carcinogens.
Lung cancer is a significant health issue and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, partly because it is often diagnosed late when it is less amenable to treatment.